Tragic Fire Claims Four Lives in Chicago’s West Englewood

Two children and two adults have died in a tragic fire that engulfed a home in West Englewood during the early hours of Wednesday morning. The fire erupted shortly before 2 a.m. at a residence on the 6200 block of South Paulina Street, as reported by Chicago police.

The young victims, an 8-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy, were taken to Comer Children’s Hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. The adult victims, a man and a woman, suffered severe burns and later were pronounced dead at the University of Chicago Medicine. One of the adults has been identified as 57-year-old Reginald Lee Wilson by the Cook County medical examiner’s office. Autopsies have been scheduled for Thursday.

Two teenage boys, aged 14 and 16, survived and are currently in stable condition at Comer. Authorities have not disclosed any relationships between the victims.

Cadarius Wilson discusses the incident on South Paulina Street in Chicago, May 20, 2026. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Cadarius Wilson, 24, witnessed the fire and took immediate action. He was visiting a friend nearby and happened upon the scene. Wilson promptly called 911 while attempting to alert those inside. A locked gate prevented his entry into the home, but he shouted warnings to residents and neighbors.

“There really wasn’t anyone at all on the block,” Wilson recounted, noting that barking dogs were the only sound breaking the silence. Despite the obstacles, Wilson helped rescue two teenage boys by catching them as they jumped from a window. “I told them I am not going anywhere. Y’all can jump,” he assured them. “I am right here to catch y’all. I am not going to leave.”

After ensuring the boys’ safety, Wilson stayed with them, providing reassurance and aiding their focus on breathing. The boys joined the others being transported to the hospital.

“I wouldn’t want no one to leave me,” Wilson reflected. “I would want someone to stay and help me, so that’s exactly what I did.” Despite his heroic actions, Wilson humbly denies being a hero, describing himself as “a regular person” guided by the principle of love. “If I were a hero, everyone would be alive right now. I was only there doing what I could and I’m grateful for what I managed to do,” he stated.

Fire officials and detectives from Wentworth Area (Area 1) continue to investigate the origins of the fire, which is currently under scrutiny as an arson case.